Juicy J

One more show to see Thursday

WHO: Reckless Kelly WHEN: 9 p.m. Thursday WHERE: Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St. ABOUT THE BAND: The Austin Americana band broke through with its critically acclaimed 2003 album “Under the Table and Above the Sun,” which had a distinctive Red Dirt sound. Reckless Kelly recently released its eighth album, “Long Night Moon,” with many songs focusing on traveling. The Bryant Carter Band opens. TICKETS: $13 in advance through ticketfly.com, $15 at the door.

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Juicy J is in a category not many other rappers find themselves: Academy Award winner. The rapper (real name, Jordan Houston) won the prize for Best Original Song in 2006 with his group, Three 6 Mafia, for “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” from the movie “Hustle & Flow.”

But Juicy J is riding a new wave of popularity separate from Three 6 Mafia. For the last two years he’s been co-owner of Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Records, and the association with Khalifa has seen Juicy J’s stock rise as solo artist. The album includes the hits “Bandz a Make Her Dance,” “Talkin’ Bout” and “Bounce It” and featured guest appearances by Khalifa, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake and many others. He was also featured on Katy Perry’s hit “Dark Horse.”

But when Juicy J’s next album, “The Hustle Continues,” hits later this year, the music will have a more singular voice.

“I’ve got a lot to say, man. There’s a lot of me on this album,” Juicy J said during a phone interview. “This is coming from the heart. I’m letting people know I don’t stop and never give up. I believe in myself and believe in my dreams and continue to hustle.”

That continued hustle has given Juicy J new opportunities and ensured that he won’t end up as just a bit of Oscar trivia. Instead, a younger generation of hip-hop fans are embracing his music and singing along to his words.

“I’m having people coming to shows and singing all the lyrics to my records,” Juicy J said. “It’s a blessing. And the song with Katy has opened me up to an even bigger audience. I’m enjoying every bit of it.”

In an odd bit of timing, the day after Juicy J’s show at Seven Flags, former members of Three 6 Mafia will be performing as Da Mafia Six at Krazee Kafe. Juicy J said he has no issues with the members of his former group continuing on and performing Three 6 Mafia songs.

“I think it’s great; they should definitely be out there getting their money,” Juicy J said. “It’s a good thing for us all to perform after all these years — a blessing for all of us. I salute them.”

As for a possible Three 6 Mafia reunion? Juicy J said that door isn’t closed.

“You never know, man. I’m up for doing anything with that group. I love that group.”